Headgaskets for big power guys?

[Nctong01]

It seems like every sector of car tuning depending on car brand has it's own preferences on headgaskets for bigger power...a lot of guys swear by OEM gaskets, others aftermarket. Just guys running higher boost levels with coyotes, is it worth it in your experience to go aftermarket or will the oem gaskets suffice?

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[engineermike]

Generally speaking, multiple layers are better than single layer. Stock coyote is 3 layer and gt500 is 4 layer. Cobra jet is also 4 layer. Cometic mostly makes 3 layer but they do make a 5 layer for Gen 2, which isn’t compatible with Gen 3 FWIW.

The additional layers give the gasket more elasticity on a microscopic level, which helps absorb abnormal combustion impact to protect hard parts. Some of the LS stuff is 7 layers and I’ve heard of even more than that.

 

[Nctong01]

Generally speaking, multiple layers are better than single layer. Stock coyote is 3 layer and gt500 is 4 layer. Cobra jet is also 4 layer. Cometic mostly makes 3 layer but they do make a 5 layer for Gen 2, which isn’t compatible with Gen 3 FWIW.

The additional layers give the gasket more elasticity on a microscopic level, which helps absorb abnormal combustion impact to protect hard parts. Some of the LS stuff is 7 layers and I’ve heard of even more than that.

I appreciate the input. I was leaning towards cometic as is so I will check out the 5 layer option. It also looks like the offer a 4 layer as well in stock compressed thickness which I believe should be .4.

 

[Jackson1320]

What are you calling higher boost? I run 18psi and I don’t consider that high boost. Are you running studs?

 

[Nctong01]

What are you calling higher boost? I run 18psi and I don’t consider that high boost. Are you running studs?

Yessir. Anywhere between 25-30 pounds.

 

[80FoxCoupe]

Gt500 hg here, 4 layer, .036 compressed. 1300whp, 26ish psi.

 

[Nctong01]

Gt500 hg here, 4 layer, .036 compressed. 1300whp, 26ish psi.

I ended up going with a 3 layer GT350 cometic just for ease of access. I think it'll be adequate but we'll see. By off-chance, do you know if .4 is stock uncompressed thickness?

 

[80FoxCoupe]

I ended up going with a 3 layer GT350 cometic just for ease of access. I think it'll be adequate but we'll see. By off-chance, do you know if .4 is stock uncompressed thickness?

No idea on that.

 

[Jackson1320]

I believe .040 is correct

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